Magpies soar to claim under-19s flag

Published on Sunday, September 23, 2018

Author : Ben Pascuzzi

Montmorency won its first under-19 premiership since 2001 after downing Macleod by 44 points in the grand final.

The match was closer than the final score indicated, however inaccurate kicking cost the Roos dearly, with the Magpies much more damaging inside their forward half in the 11.9 (75) to 3.13 (31) win at Preston City Oval.

Ben Ramsey was a standout performer for Montmorency and was rightfully adjudged best afield, whilst teammate Josh Robertson proved to be a force up forward and finished with a bag of four goals. Luke Carpenter and Jordan Corelli were best for Macleod.

Having finished second at the end of the home and away season, the Magpies had to win the premiership the long way after a close loss to Eltham in the opening week of the finals.

They bounced back with wins over Greensborough and the Panthers in the semi and preliminary finals, before claiming premiership success with an outstanding grand final performance.

However, early on it was Macleod who controlled proceedings in the premiership decider – dominating possession and time in the forward half.

The Roos didn’t have much to show for it on the scoreboard though, kicking five behinds before their first major came through an impressive Luke Carpenter running goal in the 13th minute.

Montmorency was able to steady the ship in the latter stages of the quarter, with the Magpies’ first major coming through Robertson.

Macleod continued to have more forward entries during the second quarter, ending the term with five more inside 50s than its opponent, but without booting a goal

Montmorency on the other hand made the most of its chances up forward, with goals to Van Page, Jett Attard and Robertson ensuring the Magpies went into the second half with a 13-point cushion.

Macleod hit back immediately in the third quarter, with goals to Bailey Grioli and Brayden Plant inside the first two minutes of the restart of play closing the margin to a point.

The Roos continued to attack throughout the next 15 minutes but continued to squander their many opportunities when moving forward – kicking five behinds for the remainder of the term.

Montmorency rallied late in the quarter and kicked three goals in stoppage time – which included an outstanding set shot from long range by Jacob Fahey after the three quarter time siren to take a 15-point lead into the last change.

Macleod again started the last quarter on the front foot, with five of the opening six inside 50s, however Montmorency’s defence was sublime.

The Magpies continued to repel the Roos’ forays forward and were then able to convert on the counterattack.

As the quarter wore on the Magpies were able to grind their opponents down and each of their four final-term goals helped cap a memorable premiership win – their club’s first at under-19 level in 17 years.